Pecan Tart Christmas Cookies
Delightful pecan tart cookies with a creamy filling and buttery crust, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat to share during festive seasons.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together cream cheese and butter.
- Add sifted flour to the mixture.
- Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into 24 balls.
- Pat each ball into muffin tins to form shells.
- Beat egg, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and nuts until combined.
- Drop the nut filling into the prepared muffin tins, filling 1/2 to 2/3 full.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before creaming. If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a little molasses. Experiment with nuts; pecans are traditional, but walnuts or almonds can also work well. Ensure you refrigerate the dough as it helps in shaping the cookies more easily.
Serving Suggestions
These pecan tart cookies are delightful on their own but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea, and they make a perfect addition to holiday gatherings or cookie platters alongside other favorites like Mom'S Coconut Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pecan tart cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispness before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Tart Christmas Cookies contains roughly 90 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it soften slightly at room temperature before dividing and shaping into balls.
What can I use if I don't have cream cheese?
If cream cheese is unavailable, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, use a mix of ricotta cheese and a bit of sour cream for a tangy flavor that still works well in the recipe.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and the filling is set, which usually takes about 25 minutes at 325°F (160°C). Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).